The ECoC Story
The European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) is an initiative putting culture at the heart of European cities with EU support for a yearlong celebration of art and culture. The initiative was developed in 1985 and has, to date, been awarded to more than 60 cities across the European Union (EU) and beyond.
The ECoC initiative is designed to highlight the richness and diversity of cultures across Europe, celebrate the cultural features that Europeans share, and strengthen citizens’ sense of belonging to a common cultural area. Additionally, it aims to foster the contribution of culture to the development and revitalization of cities.
Designation of European Capitals of Culture
Six years before the title year the selected host Member States publish a call for applications, usually through their Ministry for Culture. Cities interested in participating in the competition must submit a proposal for consideration.
The submitted applications are reviewed against a set of established criteria at the end of a pre-selection phase by a panel of independent experts in the field of culture or culture-based city development. The panel agrees on a short-list of cities, which are then asked to submit more detailed applications.
The panel then reconvenes to assess the final applications and recommends one city per host country for the title. The relevant authority in the Member State concerned then formally designates the recommended city as European Capital of Culture.
The European Commission ensures that the rules established at EU level are respected all along the way.
Selection Criteria for ECoC
The selection criteria for the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) include the contribution of the proposed program to the city’s long-term strategy, its European dimension, and the quality and scope of its cultural and artistic program.
Additional criteria include the effectiveness of its outreach efforts, the city’s capacity to deliver the proposed initiatives, and the strength of its overall management plan.
